MRS. BORKMAN.
With you—and a young girl?
MRS. WILTON.
Yes. It is little Frida Foldal, whom I have had living with me.
I want her to go abroad and get more instruction in music.
MRS. BORKMAN.
So you are taking her with you?
MRS. WILTON.
Yes; I can't well send her out into the world alone.
MRS. BORKMAN.
[Suppressing a smile.] What do you say to this, Erhart?
ERHART. [With some embarrassment, shrugging his shoulders.] Well, mother, since Fanny will have it so——
MRS. BORKMAN. [Coldly.] And when does this distinguished party set out, if one may ask?
MRS. WILTON. We are going at once—to-night. My covered sledge is waiting on the road, outside the Hinkels'.
MRS. BORKMAN. [Looking her from head to foot.] Aha! so that was what the party meant?
MRS. WILTON.
[Smiling.] Yes, Erhart and I were the whole party. And little
Frida, of course.